Director of Development and Alumni Relations

Woodland School•Portola Valley, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Woodland School, an independent day school near Stanford University serving approximately 300 students from early childhood through eighth grade, is seeking a highly motivated Director of Development and Alumni Relations. This role offers the opportunity to shape a new chapter in the school's 45-year history by creating and implementing strategic initiatives. Woodland School emphasizes a joyful, inquiry-based, and student-centered approach to learning, fostering individual voice, intellect, and character within a diverse, respectful, and inclusive environment. The school values integrity, curiosity, resilience, equity, respect, and stewardship, supported by a robust professional development program for its faculty.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 3 years of Development experience, preferably in an independent educational institution.
Proven track record of raising funds from individuals and foundations, with impressive results.
Proven success in asking for, closing, and coaching others on fundraising for annual needs and strategic campaigns, as well as building and maintaining long-term relationships with major individual donors, foundations, and corporations in an independent school environment.
Knowledge of current and evolving trends in advancement and effective independent school fundraising practices.
Ability to identify, develop, and maintain relationships with current and prospective major donors, foundations, organizations, alumni and corporate funders.
Broad financial responsibility includes setting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed.
High emotional intelligence, with the ability to create excitement about Woodland School’s goals, developing constructive and long-lasting relationships with all constituents.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, networking, facilitation and management skills; works both independently and within a team-oriented structure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, negotiations and effective communication with diverse audiences.
Ability to convey Woodland’s mission to diverse groups, including major donors, board members, and others critical to Woodland’s advancement.
Strong computer skills, including experience using Google Suite, and relationship database programs (eTapestry).
Engages alumni in the life of the School through consistent and positive communication using electronic, print, and social media.
Innovative and entrepreneurial approach, including solutions to complex issues. Exercises good judgment and decision making.
Has the ability to work well under pressure and the ability to reason, think creatively, and solve problems.
Appreciation for and desire to participate fully in the dynamic life of an elementary school community.
Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing environments and priorities.
A self-starter with the ability to work productively and meet benchmarks and goals timely and without day-to-day supervision.
Excellent understanding of principles and techniques of Development activities, including annual giving, major giving, planned giving, event planning, capital campaigns, marketing and communications, grant procurement, and alumni relations.
Excellent planning skills - organized, communicates, follows through, and evaluates.
Requires some work in evenings and weekends as well as travel.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Position requires absolute confidentiality and professionalism in appearance, attitude and presentation.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Prior experience with major gifts as well as foundation and corporate grant writing is preferred.

Responsibilities

Reports directly to the Head of School, is a member of the Leadership Team, and participates on the Board of Trustees’ Advancement Committee.
Collaboratively designs, implements, and oversees a comprehensive fundraising program designed to secure significant financial resources from trustees, parents, alumni, foundations and others to support Woodland School’s mission and strategic priorities.
Oversees all recurring fundraising efforts and programs, including Annual Fund, special fundraising events, major donor programs, grants, capital campaigns, planned giving, donor prospecting and research, and office administration to meet or exceed annual development plan income goals.
Leads and coordinates the efforts in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
Guides and supports the Head of School in fundraising activities.
Presents to the Board of Trustees and Head of School an annual development plan for achieving specific goals.
Oversees all aspects of the grant-writing program.
Attends and participates in a variety of fundraising, stewardship, community-building, and other campus events throughout the year in order to stay informed and updated on school activities.
Collaborates with the Board of Trustees to reach fundraising goals, to engage the Board in fundraising activities, and to identify new individual and corporate funding prospects.
Supervises the Advancement Associate, a shared resource who works to support the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, the Director of Communications, and the Director of Admissions.
Plans and executes the vision and strategy of Woodland School related to alumni engagement to enhance loyalty, dedication, and support for the School.
Leverages the skills and volunteer contributions of Woodland parents and alumni, Board of Trustees, and staff.